A table top exercise is a seminar built around a scenario.
Usually it takes place in one room and there is no "role-playing". Participants
talk through their responses to a credible incident.

There is no time pressure. Your team has time to think
about what they are doing, and why.

Table tops usually last about 2 hours, and are best with
6 to 12 participants.

They are very useful when you are writing or revising
an incident management plan. They help to create a sense of "ownership"
amongst plan users - and their feedback enhances the plan. They are also
an excellent means of exploring issues and building management confidence
in a response capability.